Dear Friends,
I want to start by expressing something that’s been on my mind: I truly miss you all.
Our friendship spans two or even three decades, and even though we’ve spent much of that time in different locations, there are still moments when I feel a profound sense of longing for what we shared. The nostalgia can be almost tangible, and at times, it weighs on me like a muscle sore from an intense workout (if I were to actually engage in such activities). There are sudden waves of homesickness that hit me unexpectedly, leaving me momentarily breathless.
Over the years, we’ve adapted to our current reality—a reality that seems set for the foreseeable future. Nowadays, we rely on texts, emails, and sporadic phone calls to stay connected. While I’ve come to terms with this, there are still days when I wish things were different: that we lived closer, that we could see each other more frequently, and that life wasn’t so overwhelmingly busy. My feelings of missing you are enduring.
I often reminisce about simpler times. I miss how effortlessly we could spend time together, whether it was a quick chat or a spontaneous gathering over a glass of wine. I miss our long, meandering conversations that could stretch for hours, filled with shared laughter and comfortable silences. I miss borrowing each other’s shoes and makeup without a second thought, and those cherished evenings spent binge-watching our favorite shows together.
As we’ve grown, we’ve also cultivated new friendships—connections with neighbors, colleagues, and fellow parents. While I appreciate these new relationships that help fill the gaps in our lives, they don’t replace the unique bond we share.
Life seems to fly by in a blur of commitments: piano lessons, soccer practices, work meetings, and an endless cycle of activities. Yet, when we do manage to gather—whether it’s a quick lunch during a business trip or an extended weekend together—time seems to pause, allowing us to reconnect deeply.
Even if we go months or years without seeing each other, when we reunite, it feels like no time has passed. Our conversations may now include updates on our children and partners, but the essence of our friendship remains intact. The familiarity and authenticity are comforting, reminding us of our shared history.
Despite the distances and differences that life has imposed, the foundation of our friendship is solid. We can fill any gap left by time apart with laughter, stories, and hugs, as if we were back on that worn couch from our college days.
When we do meet, we share stories about our families, reflect on how life has changed us, and laugh until we cry over shared memories. We can also address more serious topics—health challenges, relationship struggles, and the complexities of aging parents—conversations made easier by the trust and openness we’ve built over the years.
After our brief reunions, we return to our daily routines, focusing on our families and local friendships. We keep in touch through messages and social media, but the feeling of missing each other lingers until the next time we meet.
Until then, I’ll hold onto the hope that we can gather again soon, when time will again stand still for a while.
Warmest wishes,
Samantha
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In summary, despite the challenges of distance and time, the bond we share remains strong. Our friendship is built on a rich history that allows us to bridge the gaps created by life’s changes.